Jackpot joy for brigade recruit quest

THE Eighth Wigan Boys’ Brigade is several hundred pounds better off after a loyal volunteer was awarded a grant for them by his bosses.

Darrell Lawton has been involved with the local group for 35 years and was delighted to land the windfall from employer BT Communications through its staff recognition scheme, the BT People Awards.

This aims at selecting staff who give large amounts of time outside of their day job, in volunteering projects, and rewarding them with the funding.

It comes as a welcome addition to the Boys’ Brigade as the money will ensure that the club can continue to recruit new members.

Darrell, 42, said: “The grant means a lot and makes a big difference to small organisations like ourselves.

“The money is going towards The Duke of Edinburgh award which we’re completing. We were desperate for funds to buy a tent and camping equipment so we’re absolutely delighted that we have received this.

“If we didn’t receive the money it would mean we would have to charge the boys, this way we can keep the cost down and become more available for people wanting to join.”

Seventeen groups in the North West - including the Eighth Wigan Boys Brigade - received grants of between £200 and £500 to enable them to continue their work in the community.